There’s something truly magical about a cookie that melts in your mouth and feels like a cozy winter afternoon in every bite. These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are exactly that — tender, nutty little treats rolled in powdered sugar that look just like snowballs!
They’re simple, timeless, and made with just a handful of pantry staples. Perfect for the holidays, gift-giving, or enjoying with a warm cup of coffee, these cookies bring a touch of nostalgia and joy to every season.
Recipe Info
| Field | Info |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert / Cookies |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 24 cookies |
| Calories | ~120 kcal per cookie |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. - Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract. - Add the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually mix in flour and salt until fully combined. The dough will be soft but not sticky. Gently fold in the chopped pecans. - Shape the Cookies:
Roll about 1 tablespoon of dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart. - Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly golden. The tops should remain pale. - Powdered Sugar Magic:
Let cookies cool for about 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still slightly warm. Once fully cooled, roll them again for that perfect snowball finish.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Finely chop the pecans: Smaller pieces help the dough hold together and bake evenly.
- Double the sugar coating: Rolling twice ensures the cookies have that classic “snowy” look.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Make ahead: Dough can be chilled for up to 2 days before baking.
Recipe Variations
- Nut-Free Snowballs: Swap pecans for mini chocolate chips or toasted coconut for a fun twist.
- Almond Delight: Replace pecans with finely ground almonds and add a touch of almond extract.
- Holiday Spiced: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy seasonal touch.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies with:
- A warm mug of hot cocoa or coffee
- A plate of other holiday cookies for variety
- A sprinkle of extra powdered sugar right before serving for an elegant finish
They also make the perfect homemade gift — just wrap them in a festive tin or box tied with ribbon!
Conclusion
These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a timeless classic that never fails to bring smiles and sweet memories. They’re melt-in-your-mouth delicious, simple to make, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
So grab your mixing bowl, turn on some holiday music, and bake up a batch of these delightful little snowballs — because the best memories are made in the kitchen.